East Liberty :Featured Stories

A few years back, Pop City took stock of one of its fastest-changing neighborhoods through some compelling video storytelling. Catch this pivotal moment in East Liberty's rebirth, originally published on March 28, 2012.

In Pittsburgh and across the state, the humble bicycle is mobilizing efforts to usher in a new era of public transportation. In Part Three of our three-story series on transportation, Pop City navigates the connection between buses, bikes and the commuters who depend on them.

In Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, finding your way using public transportation is about to get a little bit easier. In Part Two of our three-story series on transportation, Pop City guides you to the best resources for getting around on train, bus, bike or incline.

From bus-tracking apps to robotic traffic signals, the New Year has introduced some big changes for Pittsburgh in the realm of transportation. Part One of Pop City's three-part series on transportation issues within Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania.

A strong Pittsburgh economy depends in part on nurturing the region's thriving high-tech sector. The city's technology leaders maintain that the heart of any future success will be continued talent attraction, be it from inside or outside the region.

The building blocks of a healthy lifestyle, including access to fresh, nutritious foods and opportunities for exercise, aren't distributed equitably across Pittsburgh's neighborhoods. Several initiatives in the city are working to change that.

Follow along on a four-day whirlwind of technological innovation, creative invention and mind-blowing possibility. The Pittsburgh Regional Alliance's Tech Crawl unveils the brains behind the city's best and brightest ideas for the future.

Bobby Zappala and his friends started with Baller BBQs in an open parking lot, which grew into BusinessBout, which morphed into Thrill Mill and its offspring Hustle Den, the business accelerator. Most recently, they created Thrival Festival. So when he says East Liberty is a mecca of entrepreneurship and innovation, you want to join the party.

Looking for your own office space that's cheap, convenient and makes you feel part of something bigger? For a range of reasons, including the chance to cross-pollinate, many are opting for co-working spaces which are popping up all over Pittsburgh.

Starting today, Pop City will feature a Kidsburgh event every week in Pop Filter. Check out the first Hive Maker Party for teens at TechShop this week. And check back every week for a kids' event you won't want to miss.

Recently, 1000 or so arts delegates from around the country converged in Pittsburgh to meet and to experience our arts scene. When we kept hearing them gush (like the newly turned-on fountain) about our city, we asked some to go on record with their impressions. From the president of PBS to the Director of the Austin Ballet, here's what they had to say.

With a new infusion of funding and more evidence that it's working, The Pittsburgh Promise launches a new phase with the same outstanding promise to each city student who qualifies: $40,000 in college scholarships.

You'll gain weight just reading about the mouthwatering milkshakes to be found around Pittsburgh, from the the salty caramel shake to the chocolate raspberry truffle and the very trendy red velvet shake. How to decide? We aim to help.

Setting up shop in Bakery Square, Quantum Theatre rewrites the book on the annual fundraiser with this weekend's Q Ball on Saturday, March 9th. Labyrinths, libations and lots of local musical talent--not to mention the chance to bid on an insider’s New York art weekend--make for one theatrical party.

Want to meet more people and get better connected in your city? Here's an informal guide to get you started, from finding events you'll enjoy to networking to help your career and helpful tips along the way.

When this writer from Munich first wrote about Pittsburgh last spring, it turned into our best read story ever. Now she's back with her photographer friend for another tour of Pittsburgh, a city they have both fallen for hard. From the Carrie Furnace to a surprise deli in Dormont, there's much to learn from these fans of our city.

Six top local architects name 25 game-changing buildings, from houses and loft developments to restaurants and high-rises. What architecture catalyzed an area or made us think differently about our town--and ourselves?

High tech meets high fidelity on Friday, August 24th, when WYEP hosts an exclusive live performance by acclaimed singer-songwriter Dar Williams at Google's theater in Bakery Square. While Williams feeds your soul with her personal songs, Google's head chef will treat your taste buds to local organic fare.

Who says nothing comes of an event? As a result of the Social innovation eXchange (SiX) earlier this year, three groups have been awarded up to $10,000 to help make their ideas reality. From a festive food truck party in East Liberty to a fitness trail around steps in Fineview, read about the winners here.

How hard is it for startup companies to grow and stay in Pittsburgh? While there are advantages, from university research to low overhead to good quality of life, the lack of venture capital and a weak transportation system are challenges. In part four of a seven-part series, we look at companies that have left and some that have stayed and why.

It's easier to recruit top talent to Pittsburgh than it used to be with Google, our great research universities and a growing roster of startups. Recent data shows that Pittsburgh employed computer and information research scientists at more than twice the national rate and nuclear engineers at more than ten times the national rate. So why look elsewhere? In the second of a series, we take a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of our talent pool in bolstering our economy.

Our recent Pop Video on East Liberty generated quite a buzz among readers, and this week we've got another great reason for you to visit the dynamic nabe. The Kelly Strayhorn teams up with Alia Musica to present the Hear/Now Festival, a showcase of new sounds headlined by hip hop sensation DJ Spooky.

It's an impressive story of a neighborhood that was transformed in short time. From Eastside, which started the boom, to the latest restaurant from Kevin Sousa, East Liberty continues to grow in surprising ways.

Who else could sample 20 pies in a day and write to tell? Brad and Patrick are back with lively reviews of a dozen pizza places in Pittsburgh, including the mustache meter rating and a bunch of local celebs they met along the way.

The Strip District could use a pharmacy. Mt. Lebanon is in need of a Thai restaurant. Lawrenceville lacks two kinds of essential businesses. Read on to learn what our most walkable neighborhoods are missing when it comes to rounding out a robust business district. Where there's a need, there's opportunity. Any takers?

You know the kind of place. You walk in and feel at home even if it's your first visit. Pittsburgh has more than its share of welcoming neighborhood bars, from the Park House to Legume. Andrew Moore, our development news editor, profiles some of the best, just in time for your holiday visit with friends.

What's the best thing a city can do to achieve more economic success? Increase its number of college graduates. The most prosperous cities have the highest number of college grads. Read how the Talent Dividend calculates just how much college degrees add to a city's bottom line--think billions--and why Pittsburgh is one of 57 cities competing for the million dollar prize to boost college attainment.

New Girl first wrote about falling in love with our city a few years ago and she's been writing about it every since. Now in an attempt to raise the bar, she offers a wish list to keep our city thriving and vital. What's on your list?

When they said they would sample up to 10 burgers, they didn't say they would do it all in one day. Read the entertaining story from this adventurous duo, watch their hilarious video then comment on your own favorite--or one of theirs. From Hidy's to Eleven, it's quite a romp.

This week, the gods of underground culture are smiling wide (and shining down on, we hope!) over Pittsburgh, with a slew of happenings showcasing some of the best of independent music, video, gaming, writing, and comics. At the center of it all is the return of VIA, which has transformed an entire city block into a living laboratory for cutting-edge artists from around the globe--and from our own talent-filled backyard. Grab tickets fast; some events are already sold out.

Only in its second year, VIA has been named one of the 10 best music festivals in the country. This wildly innovative and experimental music and new media fest gets underway next week. But catch a glimpse here with some photos from last year's event, "where art, technology and entertainment collide head-on."

Despite archaic liquor laws (and until they change), Pittsburgh offers a number of outstanding and unusual beer distributors and specialty wine shops. Let an expert be your guide in this updated version of a Pop City article favorite.

Since swinging open its doors in East Liberty 10 years ago, Shadow Lounge has set in motion a wave of cultural enterprise, emerging as a nightlife hotspot. This Sunday, the cafe-meets-club performance space takes the action into the streets with an appearance by legendary neo-soul/jazz singer, songwriter and producer, Bilal.

Pittsburgh's street art scene is vibrant, from Andy Warhol flowers as window dressing to yarn bombs on parking meters and bike racks and tin can art on street poles. Just as we were about to ask what's next, a sweater for the Mr. Rogers statue?, a red sweater appeared.

Giving kids a voice is what the Hear Me project is all about and now those youth voices can be heard all over Pittsburgh. From tin cans that you tip to hear stories to storyboxes, it's letting kids have a powerful say. And in some cases, it's already changing things for the better.

A spin-off of a research project at CMU, GTECH is attracting national attention and helping transform Pittsburgh by transforming vacant land. From growing sunflowers for biofuel to large-scale projects to reclaim vacant land, find out more and about this unique company and its passionate co-CEO.

This just in: the first 300 through the door of the Pop City party will receive spa certificates for $40 from ESSpa Kozmetica! Join us tonight on the second floor (and out on the terrace!) of the fabulous new Google building at Bakery Square to celebrate Pop City's fifth birthday. Read more and don't be left out.

Personal trainers and chefs. First-class gyms. Hammocks suspended from ceilings. Balconies overlooking a river and bike trails. Though it sounds like things found in a resort, these are all cool perks from Pittsburgh companies who are keen on attracting the best talent--and keeping them.

From bhangra to bluegrass--and everything in between--the upcoming SUNSTAR Women in Music Festival will showcase an impressive roster of national and international female music makers. It's four days of vibrant music, inspiring dialogue and lively parties--plus a special session for young women interested in performing arts careers. Independent, authentic and diverse, these women rock.

With Google's move into newer and bigger space at Bakery Square, they can now accommodate more engineers and other staff. Yes, they're hiring by the hundreds and once you see their space you'll want to submit your resume, too. Meet you on the trapeze net!

In a city known for its diverse and delightful architecture, architects are creating cool new designs with new materials that are broadening our idea of living spaces. From sleek lofts and rooftop gardens to creative in-fill, their ideas are contemporary and daring. Key concepts? Open space and green.

The crisis is for real but the solutions are right at hand. Pittsburgh has turned the corner as a region that is better withstanding the down economy than many others. What's next for us? How about becoming a national leader in energy solutions? Turns out we have everything it takes. Here's the 12 Steps to making it happen.

Did you know there's a new five-star resort near Pittsburgh? And that no one at Pop City has been there? We've been to Nemacolin, of course, but not the modern and lux Falling Rock with the 24/7 butler service and 10-pillow menu. So off we went with--who else--but New Girl in Town?

If we could remove one thing from Pittsburgh, it might be the cigarette butt litter strewn over our landscape. While unsightly, research now shows that those cigarette butts are also toxic to our environment, polluting our streams and rivers. Here's what some Pittsburgh groups are doing to stamp out the problem.

Sure, we have much to appreciate but we can always do better. What does Pittsburgh need? Let's start with four amenities that could enhance our city--how about a living wall since we're already so green?--and raise the quality of life. Then we will continue the discussion after getting your suggestions.

Deciding there was a role for him in the environmental movement, Mark Dixon created Your Environmental Road Trip (YERT) and traveled the country searching for innovative green solutions and delivering Pittsburgh's green message. Along the way, he discovered lots of people thinking creatively, including a cave dweller and an Elvis imitator.

As head of Pittsburgh’s Center for the Arts, Filmmakers, and Glass Center, Charlie Humphrey is taking arts advocacy to a whole new level, getting everyone involved as he battles the recession and deep budget cuts. What do the arts mean to this region? More than you think.

In her senior year at Duquesne, Laura Staniland has already started two companies and just snagged a $30,000 MacArthur Young Innovator award. Her proposal? A web-based game teaching kids innovative and effective public policy. Hey, we'll play!

Paris is magical. After winging our way over on the inaugural direct flight, we can tell you how much easier the journey was flying nonstop and why you, too, will fall under this city's spell. Just don't go changing your name.

In case you missed it, Nik Wallenda provided thrills and chills, but no spills, during his tense tightrope walking feat across the Allegheny River on Friday night during the Regatta. Renee Rosensteel, freelance videographer and photographer, caught the drama in air and the behind the scenes in this video.

This is big. After years of having none, Pittsburgh finally scores a nonstop flight to Europe. So now what? Support it. The publisher/editor of Pop City puts her money where her mouth is and books two tickets on the inaugural flight. Here's why.

Staying in Pittsburgh this summer instead of going overseas? We've got you covered in our five-day staycation plan. There's so much to do that we had trouble packing it all in, from the Warhol to rocking out the Riverfront trails, you'll find a summer full of fun.

Sign up to get Pittsburgh's only weekly e-magazine fresh off the virtual press every Wednesday morning. Don't worry; we won't give your email address to anyone else and it's easy to opt out. But we don't think you'll want to. Click here to sign up for Pop City

So when times are tough--uh, let's say now--and you want to get happy, where do you go? Check out this short guide to high-end, down-budget Happy Hours in Pittsburgh. From the best atmosphere and the most innovative to feeling like you're in another country and channeling your inner Greta Garbo, it's enough to drive you to drink. Bartender!

What do an airline pilot, architect, law student and MBA student have in common? They're all members of the Burgh Bees, a nonprofit devoted to urban beekeeping in the region. Why are bees so important? Let us count the wayzzzz...

Here's one way to instill pride in school: add greenery. The Western
Pennsylvania Conservancy has embarked on a landmark project to add trees and plantings to every Pittsburgh public school. More greenery equates to a better culture, more pride in school, and happier students. Here's to going green.

Keith Parish of Parish Digital captures the excitement of the Pittsburgh Marathon at the starting line as runners talk about what the race means to them, and to Pittsburgh. Sunday was a great day in Pittsburgh and Pop City salutes everyone who did so much to bring this thoroughly awesome event back to town.

In case you missed it, the short-lived but spectacular Art in Bloom at the Carnegie Museum of Art can be seen here in a series of photos by Pop City photographer Brian Cohen. To view the art meets nature slide show, click here.

Join the Pop City team on Saturday, May 2 at Naomi's House in Swissvale as we plant a garden and do some light construction. Or contact Pittsburgh Cares and find another Hands On Pittsburgh project to work on May 1 or 2. Get your own team together if you like. To find out more, click here, or to join the Pop City team, click here. We'd love to have you!

From the Kindle 2 to the phone novels in Japan (earning small fortunes for their young authors), the world of digital publishing is changing fast. So what's the word on the local scene? Let's start with the Kindle. "It's my favorite thing in the world besides my husband and daughter," says one user. If that gives you an idea.

It starts with a dream and a solid business plan. When Pittsburgh entrepreneurs want to start a new business, the Duquesne University Small Business Development Center guides the way. It's free and based on the many success stories, highly effective.

What can you learn by visiting a bar in each of Pittsburgh's 90--yes 90-- neighborhoods? It took 18 months and many raised glasses to find out but Jim Dilmore and his group think it was well worth the, uh, research.

Last held in 2003, the Pittsburgh Marathon was considered one of the top 5 in the country, attracting runners from all 50 states and beyond. Now with the tenacious and remarkable efforts of three women, the Pittsburgh Marathon returns May 3rd. This is a story to inspire all, even the non-runner.

So many Pittsburgh natives who left for brighter lights and bigger cities have returned to their hometown to find a change for the better. From new developments to an energetic art scene and renewed neighborhoods, it's good to be home!

This week a sold-out crowd will gather at the CityLIVE! event to learn from Geoffrey Canada, Marion Heard, and Mark Roosevelt about success strategies for children. And then those attending will be called to action. You, too. Whether you go to the event or not, there's a role for you in making Pittsburgh a better place for kids: Kidsburgh. Be a part of it!

Read any article ever run in Pop City--from feature stories and innovation news, to full sets of neighborhood guides-- by accessing our archives. Click on the gray bar above to learn more about the latest and greatest in Pittsburgh. Or do a quick search in the handy dandy search box!

As a champion of urban design, rail travel, and a sensibly sized state legislature, Post-Gazette columnist Brian O’Neill is a smart, funny and insightful writer who is making a difference in our region. We're just saying.

While Pop City takes time off over the holidays, why not catch up on the top feature stories of 2008? From young entrepreneurs making it big in Pittsburgh to the making of an art academy, here's the lineup of the most popular features of the year. Read on, and we'll see you again on January 7th to usher in a whole new year of great stories--and much more--in Pop City.

In his valentine to Pittsburgh, filmmaker Carl Kurlander strikes gold in portraying his love for a city undergoing transformation. The documentary, which runs this week at the Penn Hills Cinema, (see Pop Filter for details) is both touching and hilarious.

Since the mood is right for civic engagement, what better time to take a closer look at the Coro Center for Civic Leadership and how it's shaping our young leaders? Here are a few examples of the young people who are doing remarkable things thanks to Coro. You could be voting for them someday.

UNICEF was in town recently conducting the first oneminutesjr. workshop in this country, hosted by the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. Joining with others from around the world, Pittsburgh youths from ages 12 to 20 produced 60-second self-portrait videos. Here's one by a 15-year-old who challenges old, stereotypical images of our city.

Love of zombies and horror films is quite the 'burgh thing, from the classic Chiller Theatre of years past to the present day It's Alive! With Zombie Fest approaching, it's time to call upon your Inner Zombies and set 'em loose.

There's still time to participate in the first wiki designed to capture the ideas of an entire city and shape them into a workable plan. In this update on the transportation wiki, you'll learn who's involved, what they're suggesting and how you can be part of it. Wiki on!

Bike commuting is way up in the Pittsburgh region and there's great buzz around a number of topics, from new bike lanes and bike maps to better safety for all. Join us for the first forum on making a Pittsburgh a better place to bike--featuring the City's new biking and pedestrian Safety Director Stephen Patchan, Bike Pittsburgh Director Scott Bricker and more, on October 23rd. Make your voice heard!

High gas prices and greater environmental awareness have created a surge in
bicycle commuting nationwide. As cycling in Pittsburgh becomes more mainstream, we take a look at what it's like for bike commuters from different parts of town.

Pop City is pleased to sponsor a Keystone Innovation Zone contest that celebrates the amazing inventions of Pittsburghers, from medical devices to software to social media networking. Here's your chance to share your ideas and accomplishments and win up to $20,000! Cast your vote now for your favorite submission.

Slow Food Pittsburgh is making the case for local and sustainable food while reminding us of the connection between what's on our plate and what's good for the planet. From local chefs to Laptop Butcher Shop, our choices for slow food are growing.

From a gray, industrial city to the green metropolis of today, Pittsburgh has a great story to tell. That's one reason we're playing host this month to the prestigious International Urban Parks Conference. Here's to recognizing all that's been accomplished in greening our region.

An average of 130 visitors a day go through the Welcome Center downtown to find out more about Pittsburgh. When Nancy Reynolds-Daniels (aka the Brochure Lady) is behind the desk, they get welcomed in style. Read more about a Pittsburgh ambassador who is quite an attraction on her own.

It's time to celebrate how global the Pittsburgh region is and we've got all of September to do it. To get you started, here are some amazing facts about our global reach and what you can do to be part of the Global Pittsburgh Celebration. Think big. Think worldwide!

There's no better time to voice your ideas for improving transportation in our region, from bus routes to bicycle lanes. Pittsburgh Wiki, the first ever wiki of its kind designed for a city, is up and running and welcoming collaboration from all citizens to bring about real change. Check it out then dive in!

To set the stage for the upcoming cityLIVE! on Transportation Solutions for Our Region, Pop City is revisiting the article that inspired the event. One way to vault Pittsburgh to hot city status is to create an excellent transit system. The question is, how do we get great? Read this then come to the event and get involved!

Where else but Pittsburgh could he have accomplished this much as an artist? aks Nathan Martin. Formerly a punk rocker, now CEO of fast company DeepLocal, Martin is making technology more adaptive to people--and in the process putting Pittsburgh on the map for interactive media companies.

You would think you'd know a robot when you see one, right? Wrong. Soon 11 big robot installations will appear all over Pittsburgh, challenging our conceptions of bots. Called BigBots, it's happening only in --where else-- Roboburgh.

It took three young artists to come up with the big idea for an art academy. And now everyone in Pittsburgh can see the Academy's project, Citywide Salon, showcased in bus shelters throughout the city.

The Penguins and Red Wings, Pittsburgh and Detroit-- it's a clash of the Titans. Just please don't mention the Rust Belt. Thanks. The Stanley Cup Finals are also a chance to talk some smack and dish on redevelopment with our sister publication in Detroit -- Model D.

Manufacturing in Pittsburgh isn't what it used to be. The highly skilled, highly paid manufacturing jobs today are more technology-oriented and the demand for workers is growing. Harold Miller--who else?-- clues us in.

Patrick Dowd, young, energetic, impressive, is the host of the first Leadership Salon hosted by cityLIVE! and sponsored by Pop City. As a newly-minted City Councilman, Dowd is an advocate for cost-efficient government and for education as the key to reinvigorating our city.

Poet Judy Robinson spearheaded a new book of poetry and photographs celebrating Pittsburgh, Along These Rivers. From emerging poets to stars, it's a fitting tribute to a city known for its literary nature.

In his new book, Richard Florida argues that the world is not flat but spiky, with concentrated areas of activity. In this Pop City interview he tells us why he thinks Pittsburgh is well-positioned to thrive.

A bookend of a walking guide that takes you from the heart of Squirrel
Hill to the incomparable East Liberty with stops to explore along the
way – for chocolate-covered bacon for one. Stroll along, all the while appreciating the scenery.

For 100 issues we've reported the good news about Pittsburgh in technology, sustainability, development and arts and culture. Now we take a moment to tell you about us, and answer your most frequently asked questions.

There's no better time to get in shape, suggests writer Jennifer McGuiggan. Why? Because there is power in numbers, people. And with 250 & Fit, this is our year to turn things around. Read on then get moving!

Smart land use maintains our region’s
natural beauty, decreases flooding and landslides, and saves money for municipalities. One local
organization is working the smart way to save local land – and by extension – its
communities.

In his impressive career, David Lewis founded a prestigious design firm and created successful buildings and projects around the world, including Pittsburgh. Along the way, the humble, gracious and lovable guy became the most revered architect in town.

Last chance to join cityLIVE! for a lively discussion with Einstein biographer and former Time Magazine editor Walter Isaacson and Pittsburgh's own Einstein expert, John Norton. For more info and to register, click here.

As the days get shorter it's time to turn our attention to fun things to do indoors. Pittsburgh offers a wealth of options as the author of Moon Handbooks Pittsburgh shows us in his selection of some of the best.

Immigration brings the energy, entrepreneurship,
creativity and of course, great food that make any highly diverse city
an enviable place to live. Join a panel of national and local experts in a lively discussion about the necessity of jump-starting immigration in Pittsburgh.

Here's another first for Pittsburgh: first city in the country to form a Cafe Scientifique chapter, based on the European model of scientists and happy geeks meeting in bars to discuss one fascinating subject after another. It's all cool.

In the future, robots and technology will help senior citizens prolong their independence and monitor their safety. It's way cool and already happening at Carnegie Mellon's Quality of Life Technology Initiative.

In case you missed it, catch the highlights of the first Pop City Live! event when we asked panelists: If you were mayor of Pittsburgh and you had three years to make Pittsburgh a hot city, what would you do?

Librarians on My Space. Guitar Hero contests. Downloadable videos. Libraries in Allegheny County, wired and willing, are taking a leap into the future as they continue to serve as information experts in the Information Age.

Carnegie Mellon's Dr. Randy Pausch, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, created a sensation when he delivered his last lecture at his school about achieving childhood dreams. The BBC covered it, Wall Street Journal called it the "lecture of a lifetime" and Good Morning America featured him two days later. To see the inspiring, funny and heartwarming video on Google, click here. To view it on YouTube, click here.

Meet Lee Ann Munger, the new director of PowerLink, the organization that vaults women-owned businesses into another league with its high-level business advisors. If anyone is up to the task of overseeing this effective group, it's Lee Ann.

Join us in our first Pop City Live! event on September 10th at the New Hazlett Theater as we gather movers and shakers from our region and ask them, what can we do to take Pittsburgh to the next level?

When attorney Sara Davis Buss returned to Pittsburgh after the demise of steel, she wanted to make a difference in its revitalization. Did she ever, through a unique role handling the legal aspect of a number of brownfield and other developments, from the Pittsburgh Technology Center to the Waterfront.

In an ongoing series about people moving Pittsburgh
forward, Pop City talks to the Heinz Endowments’ Grant Oliphant, who
says we may be missing the story of the time we’re living in. He has a
way to fix that.

A number of recent national travel articles are raving about the "glittering reinvention" of Pittsburgh, dubbed "the darling of the travel writers". Touting everything from the views to the walkable downtown (tourist-friendly!), the Chicago Sun-Times, New York Times and most recently, the Baltimore Sun are urging people to visit Pittsburgh. Here's your chance to read them all.

Here's the deal: share three of your fave web sites with us and in turn we'll share dozens of readers' favorites with you. Check back in two weeks for results and find out what web sites Pittsburghers can't live without. Click here to take the short survey.

Throughout Pittsburgh there's a growing movement to convert vacant lots into urban gardens. Pop City gets to the root of the matter and identifies the many advantages. from locally grown food to revitalization of communities.

The goal of the popular blog, IHeartPittsburgh, is to be a resource for people who love this city. Case in point: its creator, Lindsay Patross who oversees the thousands of hits every week by passionate Pittsburghers.

Ask Pittsburghers how their city is “first, best, or only” among American cities, and their answers reflect the sort of intimate knowledge that only locals can have. Read about our second Voice of the Region Pop City survey results here.

In our second survey, we're searching for the first, the best and the only in Pittsburgh. Let your voice be heard. The first 20 to respond will receive free tickets to Chicago or Always...Patsy Cline, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Pittsburgh CLO.To take the survey, click here. .

The impact of successful start-ups can last long after the company is sold or closes its doors. FORE Systems continues to benefit the region in myriad ways, nine years after it was acquired by Marconi.

The wealth of musical talent in Pittsburgh is what brought recording studio artist and musician Doug Wilkin to Regent Square. In just a short time, Wilkin Audio has become a magnet for singers and songwriters.

Read all about it: Pittsburgh is not just a literary city but a great literary city. From author readings to poetry series to novels and theater, Pittsburgh rocks the literary world. Here are ten reasons why.

On Thursday, May 31st at 7:30 a.m., Carol Coletta of CEOs for Cities joins urban leaders of Pittsburgh in what promises to be a lively and provocative conversation about the future of our city. To r.s.v.p., click here.

From bombing down steep hills on roller blades to fencing with a Bulgarian champion, Pittsburgh offers a range of adrenalin-boosting alternative sports. Pop City searches the best of them to get your summer started with a bang.

In next week's issue, Pop City will debut a new feature: Voice of the Region Pop Survey, a collaboration with Campos Inc. The survey each month will allow all of us to better understand our region and the issues we face. While some surveys will tackle serious topics, others will be more lighthearted and fun. Stay tuned. Participate. And email us with your survey ideas if you would like: info@popcitymedia.com

From trail running to orienteering, Grass Roots Racing is introducing Pittsburghers to the rigorous team sport of adventure racing. Test your physical strength. Challenge your mind. Have a blast outdoors and meet great people. All you need is a sense of adventure.

In a city known for its startling transformation, Pittsburghers continue to reinvent themselves by launching new businesses that fill a void in the market. Meet four entrepreneurs who made a go of it when the going got tough.

For a group that touts the benefits of Pittsburgh, getting named Most Livable City is manna from heaven. It lets people know what we already know, says the director of Pittsburgh Celebrates. Now the group focuses on Pittsburgh as a hub of glass art and creativity in the Year of Glass.

Some people are born risk-takers, like the serial entreprenuers who continue to launch new idea companies while bracing for the inevitable highs and lows. Risky? You bet. They wouldn't have it any other way.

Global Beats, a monthly dance party with modern music from around the world, is packing in an ethnically diverse crowd to one of the city's hottest neighborhhoods. This could be a glimpse into the city’s future.

Once homeless, now Emmy-nominated with two fresh Telly Awards to his name, Emmai Alaquiva is legendary in the world of sound recording. At Ya Momz House, he mixes and masters the best for everyone from Kanye West to the Cultural Trust.

Why is Pittsburgh suddenly ranking higher on Places to Retire list? For many reasons, among them our best-in-the-world academic departments, the low cost of living, the chance to get involved, and --oh yeah-- those irresistible grandkids.

In celebration of Pop City's first anniversary, writer Justin Hopper explains the "gospel of Pittsburgh," that hard-to-define passion that fuels so many Pittsburghers who love it here and wouldn't live anywhere else.

As Pop City celebrates a wild and wonderful first year, we want to thank you for reading and supporting us, and for forwarding us across the city, the country and the world. (Hello, New Zealand!)While we have many faithful local readers, we also have countless ex-Pittsburghers who deeply miss this place and log onto Pop City every week to get their fix. Here is one example of many emails we receive.

Coffee shops are breeding grounds for change, says Tazza D'Oro owner Amy Enrico. In her full-time job at the East Liberty Development Initiative, she knows well how small businesses like this one can forge major community connections.

When there never seems to be enough time, specialty services are just what’s needed. From daily necessities to luxuriant splurges, more personal services are springing up to enhance your life. Delivery, please!

One measure of success of a post-industrial city is the status of its brownfields. While Pittsburgh has an impressive history of brownfield redevelopment, a major project underway could set a national standard.

What's it like for a person from another country to move to Pittsburgh? How welcoming are we, anyway? And how do they view our city and culture? An artist from London who is new to town sets out to find the answers.

Yes, it was late arriving but winter is finally here. With only six weeks left, why not make the most of it? From skiing to ice skating, cross-country to winter hikes, there's plenty of opportunity to have a wintry blast in Pittsburgh, recently named one of the Top Adventure Cities.

Staged readings strip plays to the bare essentials of dramatic storytelling while providing more opportunities to showcase local actors and writers. Pittsburgh theatres large and small are producing more than ever. They're hip. They're fun. And they're often free.

The poetry scene in Pittsburgh is more happening than in cities three times its size, says local poet Michael Simms. As founder of the renowned Autumn Press, Simms is doing his part in putting Pittsburgh on the poetry map.

The powerful outcome of architecture is the residual space that it shapes, says one Pittsburgh architect. Find out what others are saying about new and recent projects all over town that are changing the physical landscape--and more.

As winner of the 2006 Heinz Award for Public Policy, Bruce Katz of the Brookings Institute has spent his entire career helping to revitalize cities. In an interview with Pop CIty, he talks about how far we've come--and how much further we have to go.

It's a natural and good thing for young people to leave their hometown to spread their wings. But they often return and Pittsburgh seems to have a higher than normal number of "boomerangers." What's the draw? Turns out there are many.

As Pop city kicks off the "Pittsburgh Innovates" section this week, we examine innovation in this feature story. We know that innovation drives the economy and it’s essential in getting a competitive edge in today’s global economy. But what is it exactly? And how can we get more of it?

More than 268 foreign companies have operations in and around Pittsburgh, generating more than 38,000 jobs and infusing a cosmopolitan flair to the area. The draws are many, including an educated workforce, strong technology centers, and cultural and sports attractions.

Every city is trying to attract young people but how many are giving them a voice in shaping the city? In a full-day Idea Round Up, the Sprout Fund brought hundreds of young people together to hear what they have to say. Now with the Big Idea Book, here's your chance.

You should be warned: Something to Be Desired could be habit-forming. Part sit-com, part soap opera, the Pittsburgh-based web show about radio station WANT is often hilarious, always entertaining, and drawing an international following.

One way to better understand and deal with issues of racism and discrimination is by talking openly to people of different backgrounds. In Pittsburgh, a number of small groups are engaged in conversations that can open eyes and ultimately change lives.

Although Pittsburgh is a different city from what it was decades ago, the old image lingers on. A group of Pittsburghers is out to change that in the first ever integrated marketing campaign for the region.

At Pop City, we mourn the loss of Mayor Bob O’Connor, who in his brief time in office, showed us how a positive, can-do attitude can make such a difference in lifting spirits, achieving progress and moving the city forward. Pop City expresses its condolences to the O’Connor family and to all the citizens of Pittsburgh. We have lost a true leader.

The best way for PIttsburgh to become a more diverse city could be through an all-out concerted effort by its workforce. It's underway with the Western Pennsylvania Diversity Initiative, a growing group of professionals committed to attracting more professionals of diverse backgrounds to the city.

From tapas to tropas, small plates and more adventurous dining have fueled the growth of upscale restaurants. The landscape has changed dramatically in the past decade or so, and the trend to experiment with food and wine shows no sign of stopping.

Four different owners have transformed rundown buildings into nightclubs and cafes that are in turn transforming their neighborhoods. From the Sphinx Cafe--hookah, anyone?--to the Quiet Storm, the Brillobox to the Shadow Lounge, hot entertainment spots are attracting record crowds to neighborhoods that were once avoided.

From the start, Pittsburgh has been a national leader in green building. Now that the rest of the country is catching up, our region shifts its focus to greening the wealth of wonderful historic buildings in our midst. With the support of Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation and the Green Building Alliance, we can't miss.

Want to know how outsiders perceive Pittsburgh? Ask an executive recruiter or someone working in a relocation office. They'll tell you that time and again, prospects are wowed by our city--the architecture, city parks, schools, the increasingly vibrant downtown.Guide them, says one, and the city sells itself...

A new book by Bob Regan says that yes, as a matter of fact Pittsburgh does trump Venice as the world’s most bridge-able city. As our bridge-happy city hosts the prestigous International Bridge Conference this month, there's no better time to explore the fascinating world of Pittsburgh bridges with author who brought us the incomparable The Steps of Pittsburgh.

Only in the underground art world could fierce independence become a unifying trait: With his Appalachian School, artist Terry Young hopes to show that Pittsburgh artists are in a class of their own--one that's dynamic, radical and unique...

What would Pittsburgh be without foundations? A shadow of its present self. Of all the cities in the country, Pittsburgh ranks among the tops with the generous grant money supplied to the region every year. From cultural assets to economic development, it would be a much different region without them.

Like everywhere else, manufacturing jobs are down here; however, the decline isn't the whole picture. More attention needs to be focused on the new industries that are picking up the slack. Meds and Eds are up. New high-tech industries are moving into the area. A look at the bigger picture...

Weblogs, or blogs, are exploding in Pittsburgh, giving voice to all kinds of people on all kinds of subjects, from politics to art and everything in between. Find out who's who in the blogging world in Pittsburgh and how they're changing the landscape of communications.

Filmmaker Carl Kurlander could be making movies about anything, anywhere he wanted. But he chose to return home to Pittsburgh to pay homage to a city he loves, in a soon-to-be-released documentary that shows Pittsburgh past and present-- A Tale of Two Cities...

Until the state store system is changed in Pennsylvania, and we always hold hope, here's our way of making the most of what we've got. With a little sense of adventure and some advice from wine consultant Diane Martz, you can drink quality wine at bargain prices. Here's the short and easy guide, from Chardonnay to champagne, to guide your wine buying at your local state store.

Take a hike. Then drink craft beer or splurge on Indian food. With Venture Outdoors' line-up of inspired activities, there's no excuse not to get out there, meet cool people, and enjoy the great outdoors.

In a recent ranking of Best Performing Cities, Pittsburgh didn't fare well. Or did it? Upon closer inspection, Pittsburgh did much better than many other metro areas in key categories such as growth in tech and high-skilled health jobs.

When an actor moves to Pittsburgh from New York City, he thinks it's curtains for his career. But if all the world's a stage, the theaters and acting scene in Pittsburgh offer far more than he ever anticipated...

A
professional dancer peeks out from the stage curtain at the
Kelly-Strayhorn Theater and sees beyond the audience to how a
neighborhood is being transformed. The catalyst for change? None other
than the East Liberty theater where she’s about to perform.